Hanna's Football Project

Parents Weekend at Central College was a huge success yesterday.  We had a great time with family and friends eating and visiting and wandering around campus. Hanna is the office assistant for the football coach and wanted to make something "not girly" for him and some of the assistant coaches as they prepared for their Homecoming weekend.  This is what she ended up with and I think they all have them hanging in their offices. These banners are really easy to make. Last year I made the same type of banners for Hanna's floor roommates with their names on them as door banners.  I think I made 24 of them and it took me less than an afternoon to make all of them, so as you can see they are pretty easy.

A Big Shot, the Scallop Square Bigz Clear Die, an alphabet die, and a little bit of coordinating ribbon are really all you need. Hanna has used a retired sports set on these banners, but you could really use any stamp set to decorate them.

And the finished project!!

Enjoy the beautiful day!  I think this has to be my favorite season and today will certainly be a beautiful one!!

For The Hawkeyes

Here's hoping the Hawkeyes do better today than they did last week!!  I chose a black and yellow card to cheer them on.

Again this card comes from a swap I received at convention.   I get so much inspiration from the cards and swaps I get when I am there. 

Stamps:  Apothecary Art

Cardstock:  Daffodil Delight, Basic Black, Whisper White

Ink:  Midnight Muse, Basic Black, Various Markers

Accessories:  Beautiful Wings Embosslits, Label Collection Framelits, 

Striped Embossing Folder, Big Shot, 1" Circle Punch, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, 

1 3/8" Circle Punch, 1/16" Handheld Circle Punch, Neutrals Brads

We are out the door to visit Hanna at Parents Weekend at Central College.  It will be a real family affair today, since my other daughter and her husband are going as well. We are meeting my brother and his wife, whose daughter also attends Central College. Should be a great day for a cook-out and family time.

Imagine the Possibilities

Glossy cardstock and sponging is a technique that I haven't done for a while but have recently started using a lot.

This card captures the beautiful sunsets we have been seeing.

Stamp Set:  Word Play, My Friend

Cardstock:  Always Artichoke, Glossy White

Inks:  Always Artichoke, Daffodil Delight

Cajun Craze

Can't believe we have come to the end of another work week!  I have big plans this weekend for Parent's Weekend at Central College and relaxing on Sunday...maybe a little stamping.   How about you?

Field Flowers

Once again, the card I have for you features the stamp set, Field Flowers, a must have stamp set in my little world.   Again, the inspiration for this card comes from a swap I received. 

Stamp Set:  Field Flowers, Perfectly Penned

Cardstock:  Wisteria Wonder, Elegant Eggplant, Very Vanilla

Ink:  Old Olive, Elegant Eggplant

Accessories:  Framed Tulips Folder, Scallop Squares Duo Bigz Die, Beautiful Wings Embosslits, Big Shot, Stampin' Sponges, Stampin Dimensionals, Basic Pearls, 1/4" White Stitched Satin Ribbon 

I am loving these cool crisp mornings and the beautiful days we are having right now.  Enjoy the sunshine today!!

Kind Thanks

I am not sure where the days are going but time is sure flying by...I can't believe that it is already the end of September.

Today's card is very easy to make and would look great with just about any color you would want to use.

Stamp Set:  Everything Eleanor, Kindness Matters

Cardstock:  Crumb Cake, Cherry Cobbler

Ink:  Crumb Cake, Cherry Cobbler

Accessories:  Small Oval Punch, 1" Circle Punch

And now...for another sneak peek into the upcoming Stamp Fest on October 20th.....

There is still plenty of time to make your reservations...only $32 for a fun day of stamping, catered lunch, and 15 great projects.  You won't want to miss it!!!

Clockwork Birthday

Today's card comes from swap I received at a Stampin' Up! event.  I have a hard time coming up with masculine cards but I think this one fits the bill.





It is hard to see in the picture, but the clock works are embossed with silver embossing powder. This also uses one of my favorite embossing folders...Houndstooth.

Stamps:  Clockworks

Cardstock:  Very Vanilla, Early Espresso, Cajun Craze, Comfort Cafe DSP

Ink:  Early espresso, Midnight Muse, Cajun Craze, Versamark

Accessories:  Houndstooth Embossing Folder,  3" Circle Die, Bitty Banner Framelits, Big Shot, 2 1/2" Circle Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals, Silver Embossing Powder, Heat Tool

Hanna Card

Hanna was home again for the weekend and helped me get cards ready for stamp class tonight.  She definitely has a much more creative eye than I do.



I do love how this flower came together, although I would never have used two such different background papers.








Once again, I would have probably layered this onto Cajun Craze, but she liked the Very Vanilla. I must admit, I like her version better than the one I had.

Cardstock:  Very Vanilla, Cajun Craze, Comfort Cafe DSP
Accessories:  Chevron Embossing Folder, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Blossom Punch, 1 3/4" Scallop Circle Punch, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, 1/16" Handheld Circle Punch, Antique Brads, Dimensionals


There were no stamp sets or ink used in the making of this card!!!

Well, I am off to load the car for stamp class tonight. I have two packets left, if you would like to join me!! Let me know so I can reserve one of them for you.

Believe It

When I saw this card at convention I knew it was going to be one of my class cards.

I love when you can take a product and make something totally different with it like Santa's beard on this card.













Stamp Set:  Just Believe
Cardstock:  Basic Black, Real Red, Whisper White,  Silver Glimmer Paper
Ink:  Black Stazon
Accessories:  Apothecary Accents Framelits, Big Shot, 1 3/8" Square Punch, 1 1/4" Square Punch, 3/4" Circle Punch

Had a great time tailgating and going to the game yesterday.  The game wasn't very good but the company couldn't have been any better.


I guess I had better get all of my card stock cut for class tomorrow night.  See you there.

Sneak Peek

As someone reminded me the other day.....I have forgotten the sneak peek of one of our stamp fest cards. Well here it is.

The different textures on this card really are much more vibrant than the picture shows.  Be sure and get your registration in so you can make not only this card but the other fourteen really cool cards and projects.




By the time most of you are reading this I will have been tailgating at the Hawkeye game for quite a while.  Hanna and I are leaving home at 5:00 to meet my brothers, sister-in-law, and several of my nephews for a fun day of Hawkeye football.  Go Hawks!!

Frightening Feline

If you have stamped with me this fall, you know that Frightening Feline is one of my favorite stamps from the Holiday mini catalog.  

Dawn Olchefske has a blog that I follow regularly to get inspiration.  This card came directly from her blog.  















Stamp Set:  Frightening Feline
Cardstock:  Basic Gray, Basic Black, Glossy White
Ink:  Black Stazon, Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie, Cajun Craze
Accessories:  Designer Rosette Bigz XL Die, Big Shot, Stampin Sponges, 1/2" Striped Satin Ribbon


Who knew that the Rosette Die would make such an awesome fence?  Thanks, Dawn, for the inspiration.

I Do

I was recently asked to help a friend make some invitations to her daughter's rehearsal dinner.  One of her colors was purple so of course Elegant Eggplant came to mind right away.

The swirly embossing folder and the purple ribbon in this card are not Stampin' Up!, but every thing else is.  I think they turned out really nice and she and her daughter were very happy with them. There were no stamps sets used in this card.








Cardstock:  Elegant Eggplant, Whisper White
Accessories:  Scalloped heart of Hearts Embossing Folder, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Basic Pearls,  1/8" Black Taffeta Ribbon



Today looks to be another perfect day outside...and today is a gift...make the most of the gift you have been given today!!

The Open Sea

My class is reading about the Titanic and I am preparing for our cruise so this card seemed perfectly in order. I do hope our cruise boat is a little more luxurious than this ship!!

It seems like masculine cards are so hard to make and this stamp set is perfect for all of those card giving needs.

Stamp Set: The Open Sea

Cardstock: Cherry Cobble, Night of Navy, Whipser White

Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Night of Navy

Accessories: Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine, 3/4" circle punch

Don't forget to send in your registration for Stamp Fest on October 20th. We have some great projects in store for you!

Triple Time Stamping

Today's card is one the ladies did last Thursday in stamp club. I got several swaps at convention made with this technique so I had to try it for myself.

It looks way more difficult than it actually is.

Stamp Sets: Everything Eleanor, Petite Pairs

Cardstock: Basic Black, Whisper White

Ink: Crumb Cake, Basic Black

Accessories: Crumb Cake 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon

Check back tomorrow for a sneak peek at a Stamp Fest Project!!!

Sleigh Ride

Well...all of my weekend projects didn't get completed...but at least bookwork is done and caught up to date. That has to be one of my least favorite jobs!!

Today's card is another one we made at our shoe box swap at convention. Rori, a doctor from New York, is the designer of this card. I just love the new sandable cardstock, and the vintage effect that it gives to the cards.

Stamp Set: Open Sleigh

Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla, Early Espresso Core'dinations

Ink: Early Espresso

Accessories: Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder, Delicate Designs Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Stampin' Sponges, Stampin' Dimensionals, Round Designer Ribbon Slides, Victoria lace Crochet Trim, Always Artichoke Seam Binding

Hard to believe another week is starting already...it seems as if September is flying by!!!

Project Weekend Part 2

We did indeed come up with some great projects when we were planning the Stamp Fest. Christmas cards and gift tags, fall cards, and several general all purpose cards are going to be on the menu as well as a delicious lunch and fellowship with other stampers. You won't want to miss it!

This is the second project for this weekend. I thought these ornaments were just gorgeous when I saw them this summer and I can't wait to try one for myself. I will be offering a class on these babies, once I have everything figured out.

Stamp Set: Ornament Keepsakes

Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Candlelight Christmas DSP

Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Lucky Limeade

Accessories: Holiday Ornaments Framelits Die, Big Shot, Cherry Cobbler Scalloped Tulle Ribbon, Large Pearl

Wouldn't this be beautiful in silver and blue?

Project Weekend Part 1

This is project weekend. Besides planning the Saturday Stamp Fest I hope to get a couple of projects done from pictures I took at convention.

This is the first project I want to try. While the Designer Series paper on the Family frame are retired, I am sure I can come up with something using current paper. I will be sure to take a picture and post of the project I come up with.

Luetta and I are getting together this afternoon to plan the Saturday Stamp Fest. You are going to be sure and join us because I have an idea that we are going to come up with some awesome card and projects.

My Addiction

For those of you that have known me for a while, you know I have a thing for snowmen. I am not sure there has been a stamp set with a snowman in it that has not been in my possession!

This one is no exception. I just think he is so cute...and then to have a whole stamp set devoted to snowmen! WOW!!

Stamp Sets: Snow Much Fun

Cardstock: Always Artichoke, Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla

Ink: Basic Gray, Variety of Markers

Accessories: Northern Flurry Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Modern Label Punch

I am off to celebrate International Dot Day with my fourth graders. Dot Day is about making your mark in the world. Where will you make your mark today?

Field Flowers

Sometimes you can look at a stamp set in the catalog and think.."it's a nice stamp set, but it is just okay" and that is as far as it goes. Then you see a couple of cards made with it and it starts to grow on you, so you go ahead and buy it. Once you have it purchased and start to create with it, you think, "How did I ever live without this set?" Field Flowers is one of those sets for me.

It doesn't really make any difference what color combination you stamp, this set just makes awesome cards and today's card is no exception.

Stamp Set: Field Flowers, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Cardstock: Baja Breeze, Marina Mist, Whisper White

Ink: Marina Mist, Old Olive, Soft Suede Marker

Accessories: Framed Tulips Embossing Folder, Big ShotSmall Oval Punch, Baja Breeze Seam Binding, Basic Pearls. Color Spritzer Tool

The car is packed and ready to go for the Stamper's Club tonight. A stamper's club is a buying group of people who meet once a month and take turns being hostess. We work on a couple of projects that are more in depth than what I can do in a stamp class. Stayed tuned to see what we do tonight. If you would like to be part of the next Stamper's club, email me and we will get another group started.

The Earth Sings in Flowers

Today's card is one I took a picture of on a display board when I went to Milwaukee in March.

I really like the emboss resist technique and this stamp is one that works particularly well with that technique.

Stamp Set: Fabulous Florets

Cardstock: Island Indigo, Pool Party, Whisper White

Inks: Versamark, Pool Party, Island Indigo

Accessories: Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack, Stampin Sponges, Basic Pearl Jewels, Clear Embossing Powder, Heat Tool

Summer still seems to be hanging on as we have one more hot day today. Remind me in the middle of winter how I longed for cooler days at school!!

Do Your Bit of Good

Another successful stamp class!! I can't believe how nice the people at Godfather's Pizza are. They even offer to help me carry my stuff in and out of the place. Thank you, Godfather's for providing a place for me to hold stamp classes.

Today's card is one I took a picture of in the Momento Mall at convention. It was being used to show off the card tree.

Stamp Sets: French Foliage, Pursuit of Happiness

Cardstock: Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla

Ink: Crumb Cake, Soft Suede

Have a great day as you go off to do your little bit of good!!

Greeting at Christmas

This card was inspired by a demonstrator friend, Dawn, who was at convention with us this summer.

Stamp Set: Beautiful Season

Cardstock: Cherry Cobbler, Lucky Limeade, Very Vanilla, Festival of Prints DSP stack

Ink: Cherry Cobbler

Accessories: Snow Flurry Bigz Die, Holiday Frame Embossing Folder, Extra Large Oval Punch

Everything is ready and loaded in the car for stamp camp tonight. We should have a good time. See you there.

Perfectly Penned Thank You

Well..........my Hawkeyes didn't do so well yesterday. But it did give me an opportunity to sort and organize my cards and card fronts. I came across this one we did at stamp camp a while back.







If possible I always like to decorate my envelopes to give a hint of what is inside the card.

Stamp Sets: Bright Blossoms, Perfectly Penned

Cardstock: Rich Razzleberry, Island Indigo, Whisper White, Summer Smooches DSP

Ink: Island Indigo, Rich Razzleberry

Accessories: Basic Jewels, 3/16" Corner Rounder

Well, I am off to my stamp room to cut cardstock for tomorrow night and to get ready for Stamp Club on Thursday. Enjoy the great weather today!!

Chock-Full of Cheer---Again

I just love this stamp set.....and the color combination!

Now that the weather is a little cooler I can seriously think about Christmas cards. This card uses the same stamp set and color combination as yesterday. It also uses the ribbon that is FREE this month with a $40 purchase.

Stamp set: Chock-full of Cheer

Cardstock: Gumball Green, Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White

Ink: Gumball Green, Cherry Cobbler

Accessories: Extra Large Oval Punch, Scallop Edge Border Punch, 3/8" Gumball Green Stitched Satin Ribbon

I am all set up to cut cardstock for this week's stamp classes and to watch the Hawkeyes!!

Go Hawks!!

Chock-Full of Cheer

I can't believe it is Friday again already!!! The weeks seem to be flying by!

If you are looking to make your Christmas cards this year and want one that is easy to make many of, then I have the card for you. And it uses ribbon you can get for FREE with a $40 order this month!

Stamp sets: Chock-Full of Cheer

Cardstock: Gumball Green, Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White

Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Gumball Green

Accessories: Northern Flurry Embossing Folder, Big Shot, 1 Inch Circle Punch, Basic Rhinestones, Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine, Gumball Green 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon

I have big plans this weekend to watch the Iowa-Iowa State football game and cut cardstock for stamp class on Monday night. There is still time to let me know you are coming.

Go Hawks!!!

I Dig You

I knew when I saw this card at convention, that I needed to try and make one. What an awesome card for a little boy! And it seems that the next generation in my family is having little boys!! Girls in the Mann family are not that common!!

Stamp Sets: I Dig You

Cardstock: Daffodil Delight, Basic Black, Whisper White

Ink: Daffodil Delight, Chocolate Chip, Basic Black

Accessories: Houndstooth Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Word Window Punch, Modern Label Punch, 1/8" Mini Brads, 3/16" Metallic Brads

Sorry about the poor lighting on this photo. I need to learn to take my photos during the day when the natural lighting is good. However, if you know me...you know planning ahead is not always in my vocabulary!!

Have a great day!!

Imagine the Possibilities

I am not sure why, but Elegant Eggplant and one of our shades of green has been one of my favorite color combinations since I started stamping. There is something about the two together that just says "this is it". This is a card we did at a stamp camp a while back. The saying is also one of my favorites....possibly because of teaching...where anything is possible for young minds.

Stamp Sets: Mixed Bunch, Word Play

Cardstock: Elegant Eggplant, Lucky Limeade

Inks; Lucky Limeade, Elegant Eggplant

Accessories: Elegant Lines Floral Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Blossom Punch, Antique Brads

One thing I can say about fourth grade is that I am not nearly as tired when I get home as I was when teaching first grade. Now if the heat will just let up so I feel like doing something when I get home in the evenings, it would be perfect!!!

Shake Your Booty

I am beginning to love this stamp set!!! I love shoes and boots so maybe that is why.

I also love to decorate my envelopes so the receiver of the card gets a little hint of what is inside.
Stamp Set: Bootiful Occasions

Cardstock: Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White

Ink: Versamark, Pumpkin Pie Marker

Accessories: Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, Label Collection Framelits, Big Shot, Black Polka Dots Scalloped Ribbon, Neutral Glimmer Brads, Black Embossing powder, Heat Tool

Hopefully my new Big Shot will get here soon. I didn't realize that I use it now on practically every card I make. Hanna brought hers home over the weekend but took it back to school yesterday.

Hope this week is cooler than last week.......although the forecast for today looks pretty steamy.

Birthday Buddy

If you are wondering why my post is so late today...this is the reason. Hanna and I spent the morning making this birthday bouquet for my Birthday Buddy at school.

While this looks very difficult to make, it is really very easy, just a little time consuming.

Cardstock: Pool Party, Cajun Craze, Soft Suede, Very Vanilla, Summer Starfruit, Comfort Cafe DSP

Accessories: Perfect Pennant Bigz L Die, Designer Rosette Bigz XL Die, Scallop Circle Bigz Die

Hanna and I actually managed to get it transported to school safely. I hope she likes it tomorrow!!

Miss You

Today's card uses some more of the ribbon that is on sale during the "Back to Spool Time" sale.

Stamp Sets: Lacy and Lovely

Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Primrose Petals, Very Vanilla, First Edition Specialty DSP

Inks: Primrose Petals. Crumb Cake

Accessories: 3/8" Primrose Petals Stitched Satin Ribbon, In Color Dahlias, Extra Large Oval Punch, i 3/8" Circle Punch

Hanna and I must be out of practice....we went shopping yesterday and we were both worn out after the first hour or so. But on the upside....my new glasses came in so I can see the world clearly again!!!

Hanna's New Phone

This has been an expensive week at the Wilson household. Tuesday, I accidently flushed my glasses down the toilet. Wednesday, my Big Shot decided it didn't want to work and since I can't live without it, I had to get a new one. Friday, we had to get Hanna a new phone because Central changed their email server and she could no longer get her school email on her phone. What does this all have to do with the card picture to the left, you might be asking? Well, this picture was taken with her new phone and I do believe that it takes better pictures than my camera!!! Always look for the positive in any situation!!!

Stamp sets: Chock-Full of Cheer

Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Gumball Green, Cherry Cobbler, Be of Good Cheer DSP

Ink: Cherry Cobbler

Accessories: Petals-a-Plenty Embossing Folder, Big Shot, 2 3/8" Scallop Circle Punch, 1 3/4" Circle Punch, 3/8" Gumball Green Stitched Satin Ribbon. Basic Rhinestone Jewels

Our Old Threshers plans got changed today because of the weather forecast, so Hanna and I are going to do what we do best....shop.

Have a safe and Happy Labor Day weekend!!

While the kids are heading back to school, Stampin' Up! is going back to 'spool'! For the month of September, get a FREE package of 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon-an $8.95 value-for every $40 you spend!

Choose from the following ribbons:

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126847 Midnight Muse 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon $ 8.95--FREE with $40 order

126844 Primrose Petals 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon $ 8.95--FREE with $40 order

126845 Raspberry Ripple 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon $ 8.95--FREE with $40 order

126846 Summer Starfruit 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon $ 8.95--FREE with $40 order

Call today so we can get your ribbon on the way to you!!